Water Vapor Permeates Barrier Patents (Class 95/52)
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Patent number: 8784531Abstract: In a gas separation apparatus that separates carbon dioxide and water vapor from a first mixture gas containing a predetermined major component gas, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, the energy utilization efficiency thereof is improved. Also, by utilizing the function of this gas separation apparatus, a membrane reactor and a hydrogen production apparatus exhibiting high energy utilization efficiency are provided. The gas separation apparatus is constructed to include a first separation membrane 33 and a second separation membrane 34 that are made of different materials. When the first mixture gas is supplied at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, the first separation membrane 33 separates a second mixture gas containing carbon dioxide and water vapor that permeate through the first separation membrane by allowing carbon dioxide and water vapor to permeate selectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Renaissance Energy Research CorporationInventors: Osamu Okada, Masaaki Teramoto, Eiji Kamio, Nobuaki Hanai, Yasato Kiyohara
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Patent number: 8764888Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.Inventors: Amos Ophir, Eyal Cohen, David Dishon, Joshua Lewis Colman
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Publication number: 20140157985Abstract: An apparatus for removing water vapor from a feed gas is provided that comprises a membrane housing, a membrane that divides a first pressure side and a second pressure side of the membrane housing, a feed gas inlet and outlet on the first pressure side, a sweep gas inlet and outlet on the second pressure side, a sweep gas flow regulator, and a pump. In some embodiments the feed gas can be at ambient pressure and a pressure drop across the membrane can be less than about 1 atm. In some embodiments the sweep gas can be a portion of the feed gas exiting the first pressure side. Some embodiments are part of air conditioning, drying, or water recovery systems. Additionally, some embodiments achieve dew points of less than 0° C. and dehumidification efficiencies of 200% to 600%.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: University of MississippiInventors: Paul Scovazzo, Anthony J. Scovazzo
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Publication number: 20140150646Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas separation membranes and, in particular, to high selectivity fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer-comprising polymeric blend membranes for gas separations. The polymeric blend membrane comprises a fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer and a second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer. The fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymers in the current invention are copolymers comprising 10 to 99 mol % 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene-based structural units and 1 to 90 mol % vinylidene fluoride-based structural units. The second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer is selected from a low cost, easily processable glassy polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Zara Osman, Changqing Lu, Andrew J. Poss, Rajiv R. Singh
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Publication number: 20140150649Abstract: A system for supplying an aircraft with inert gas is provided. The system includes at least one fuel cell with an air inlet and an exhaust air outlet as well as a membrane device with an inlet, an outlet and a vapor-permeable membrane. The exhaust air outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet of the membrane device. The membrane device guides a gas from the inlet to the outlet and to give off to the outside through the membrane any water vapor contained therein. This leads to a cost efficient, passive and reliable dehumidifaction of inert exhaus gas for inerting purposes, and a dehumidification device that does not or only marginally increases the weight of the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Ralf-Henning Stolte, Johannes Lauckner, Gwenaelle Renouard-Vallet
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Publication number: 20140144318Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp
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Publication number: 20140138314Abstract: A fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymeric membrane comprising a copolymer comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and vinylidene fluoride is disclosed. The fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymeric membranes of the invention are especially useful in gas separation processes in air purification, petrochemical, refinery, and natural gas industries.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Zara Osman, Howie Q. Tran, Changqing Lu, Andrew J. Poss, Rajiv R. Singh, David Nalewajek, Cheryl L. Cantlon
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Publication number: 20140137736Abstract: The present invention relates to silicone compositions that are useful for the production of membranes that are selectively permeable to at least one component of a gas mixture. The invention provides a method of forming the membrane. The invention also provides a method of separating components in a feed mixture using the membrane. The membrane includes a reaction product (e.g. cured product) of a silicone composition including an organopolysiloxane having at least two unsaturated aliphatic carbon-carbon bond-containing groups per molecule; a crosslinking agent having at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule; a hydrosilylation catalyst; a polyether containing at least one unsaturated aliphatic carbon-carbon bond-containing group; and a siliceous filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Dow Corning CorporationInventors: Dongchan Ahn, Aaron J. Greiner, James S. Hrabal, Christopher Wong
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Publication number: 20140137734Abstract: The present invention discloses new types of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer-cross-linked polyimide membranes and methods for making and using these membranes. The membranes are prepared by cross-linking of asymmetric aromatic polyimide membranes using a PAMAM dendrimer as the cross-linking agent. The PAMAM-cross-linked polyimide membranes showed significantly improved selectivities for CO2/CH4 compared to a comparable uncrosslinked polyimide membrane. For example, PAMAM 0.0 dendrimer-cross-linked asymmetric flat sheet poly(3,3?,4,4?-diphenylsulfone tetracarboxylic dianhydride-3,3?,5,5?-tetramethyl-4,4?-methylene dianiline) (DSDA-TMMDA) polyimide membrane showed CO2 permeance of 135.2 A.U. and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 20.3. However, the un-cross-linked DSDA-TMMDA asymmetric flat sheet membrane showed much lower CO2/CH4 selectivity (16.5) and higher CO2 permeance (230.8 GPU).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Howie Q. Tran
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Publication number: 20140137735Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a gas separation membrane and a gas separation method in which at least one type of gas is separated and recovered from a gas mixture, using the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane is asymmetric and hollow and made of a polyimide material. The method of the invention provides a practical, high-performance technique for gas separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Dhaval Ajit Bhandari, Kristi Jean Narang, Kimberly Ann Polishchuk
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Publication number: 20140138317Abstract: The present invention generally relates to gas separation membranes and, in particular, to high selectivity fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer-comprising polymeric blend membranes for gas separations. The polymeric blend membrane comprises a fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer and a second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer. The fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymers in the current invention are copolymers comprising 10 to 99 mol % 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene-based structural units and 1 to 90 mol % vinylidene fluoride-based structural units. The second polymer different from the fluorinated ethylene-propylene polymer is selected from a low cost, easily processable glassy polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Zara Osman, Changqing Lu, Andrew J. Poss, Rajiv R. Singh
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Patent number: 8709254Abstract: A microporous organic-inorganic hybrid membrane based on silica of the invention has an average pore diameter of less than 0.6 nm, and comprises bridging organosilane moieties of the formula ?O1.5Si—CHR—SiO1.5? or ?O1.5Si—CH(CH3)—SiO1.5?. The membrane can be used in the separation of hydrogen from mixtures comprising hydrogen and CH4, CO2, CO, N2, and the like, and in the separation of water from alcohols having 1-3 carbon atoms, optionally in the presence of an inorganic or organic acid.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum NederlandInventors: Rob Kreiter, Hessel Lennart Castricum, Jaap Ferdinand Vente, Johan Evert Ten Elshof, Maria Dirkje Anna Rietkerk, Henk Martin Veen
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Patent number: 8685142Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing humidity gradients in one or more dehumidification units. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification units is extracted by the dehumidification units without substantial condensation into low pressure water vapor vacuum volumes. The water vapor is extracted through water vapor permeable membranes of the dehumidification units into the low pressure water vapor vacuum volumes. The air exiting the dehumidification units is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification units. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is compressed to a slightly higher pressure, condensed, and removed from the system at ambient conditions. In addition, each of the dehumidification units may be associated with one or more evaporative cooling units through which the air will be directed, with the evaporative cooling units being upstream and/or downstream of the dehumidification units.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp, Jeffrey S. Haberl
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Patent number: 8685144Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp, Jeffrey S. Haberl
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Patent number: 8685145Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing humidity gradients in a plurality of dehumidification units, which are arranged in series and/or in parallel. Water vapor from air entering each stage of the plurality of dehumidification units is extracted by the dehumidification units without substantial condensation into low pressure water vapor chambers. For example, in one embodiment, the water vapor is extracted through water vapor permeable membranes of the dehumidification units into the low pressure water vapor chambers. As such, the air exiting each of the dehumidification units is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification units. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently compressed to a slightly higher pressure (i.e., just high enough to facilitate condensation), condensed, and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp, Jeffrey S. Haberl
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Patent number: 8652332Abstract: Method and devices for filtering liquid are provided that rely on pressure difference to filter liquid. In one embodiment, a device for filtering liquid includes a feed chamber, a permeate chamber, and a porous membrane that is at least partially hydrophobic and has one or more pores configured to be permeable to vapor. A pressure of a liquid substance in the feed chamber is increased such that vapor of the liquid substance is transported from the feed chamber to the permeate chamber. The resistance of flow in a hydrophilic layer of the membrane can be controlled to make the membrane defect-tolerant. In another embodiment, a second porous membrane is further included and the second porous membrane is spaced apart from the first porous membrane. Various methods for filtering liquid are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Rohit N. Karnik, Jongho Lee
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Patent number: 8641806Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp
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Patent number: 8617291Abstract: A method of preparing a supported gas separation membrane, comprising: preparing crystalline seeds from a synthesis mixture comprising an aluminum source, a phosphorous source, a silicon source, at least one organic templating agent and water; applying the seeds to a porous support to produce a seeded porous support; contacting the seeded porous support with a synthesis gel under hydrothermal synthesis conditions to produce a coated porous support; and calcining the coated porous support is described. A supported gas separation membrane made by this method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Brendan Dermot Murray, Paul Jason Williams
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Patent number: 8608966Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for dewatering mixture of ethanol and water. The method comprises steps for feeding mixture of ethanol and water (1) into an evaporator (2), evaporating said mixture of ethanol and water (1) and feeding a stream of vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) to a vapor recompression unit (4), pressurizing vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (3) in the vapor recompression unit (4) and feeding a stream of pressurized vaporized mixture of ethanol and water (5) to a membrane unit (6), and dividing said stream of pressurized mixture of ethanol and water (5) in to a stream of mixture of ethanol and water (8) and into a stream of dewatered mixture of ethanol and water (7).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: ST1 Biofuels OyInventors: Antti Pasanen, Mikko Ahokas
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Patent number: 8603218Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: DPoint Technologies Inc.Inventors: Greg Montie, James Franklin Dean, Curtis Mullen, Robert Hill
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Patent number: 8591627Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from a CO2 containing gas stream containing water vapor and additional impurities, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. The CO2 is captured by subjecting the CO2 gas feed stream to a temperature swing adsorption step. The temperature swing adsorption step comprises an adsorption step for producing a substantially dry carbon dioxide-depleted stream, and an adsorbent regeneration step comprising heating the adsorbent bed to produce a substantially water vapor-free carbon dioxide stream. Moisture from the gas stream containing CO2 is optionally removed by pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, membrane separation, or absorption prior to CO2 capture.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Innosepra LLCInventor: Ravi Jain
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Patent number: 8591628Abstract: A method and apparatus for humidifying residential and commercial buildings in which a flue gas generated by a residential or commercial furnace is provided to one side of a porous liquid water transport membrane and habitable space air is provided to an opposite side of the porous liquid water transport membrane in an amount sufficient to provide a habitable space air to flue gas volume flow rate ratio of at least 8.3:1. At least a portion of the water vapor in the flue gas is condensed, providing condensed liquid water which is passed through the porous liquid water transport membrane to the habitable space air side of the porous liquid water transport membrane. On the habitable space air side of the membrane, the condensed liquid water is evaporated into the habitable space air, producing humidified habitable space air which is provided to the rooms of the residential and commercial buildings. Beneficially, no supplemental water source is required for the humidification process.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Dexin Wang, William E. Liss, Richard A. Knight
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Publication number: 20130298766Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and/or separating a component from a fluid are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can include one or more of a separator (e.g., a dehumidifier), a chiller, and/or an expirator, each of which can include a selective transfer membrane. Such systems and methods can be used for a wide variety of applications including, for example, cooling and/or dehumidifying air.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: DAIS ANALYTIC CORPORATIONInventors: Scott G. Ehrenberg, Brian Johnson, Hung Huynh
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Patent number: 8574344Abstract: The present invention relates to template-free clathrasils whose framework comprises essentially SiO2, wherein the crystals of the clathrasils have the platelet-like morphology of a sheet silicate. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing these template-free clathrasils and also to their use as absorbent, as seed crystals for the synthesis of clathrasil membranes of the same zeolite type and in the form of dense layers which function as gas separation membranes having a molecular sieving action.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Hartwig Voβ, Jörg Therre, Hermann Gies, Bernd Marler
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Patent number: 8574342Abstract: Method and apparatus for a membrane separation system, including process and installation for the separation of air by permeation, using two strategically placed heaters for the production of high purity nitrogen, uniquely designed multi-staged pre-filtration system and a novel method of controlling the nitrogen flow and purity. The system comprises in series an air compressor (1), an air cooler (2) cooled by air or liquid, moisture separator (3), mist removing filter (4), primary heat source (5), coalescing filter (8), carbon tower (9), particle filter (10), secondary heat source (11), membrane separator(s) (14), and control valve (19). The system is to provide and maintain superheated air to the membrane separator(s) using strategically located heaters to eliminate condensation of moisture in the carbon tower or membrane separator(s) eliminating the need for a separate compressed air dryer, or the need for insulation of pipes, vessels and the membrane separator(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Charles M. Flowe
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Patent number: 8557022Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filled polymeric membrane includes a first step of preparing a filler suspension having a solvent for a glassy polymer and nanometer-sized particles. The nanometer-sized particles in the filler suspension are aggregated in aggregates having an average aggregate size in the range between 50 nm and smaller than 200 nm. In a following step, the glassy polymer is added to the filler suspension to obtain a polymer suspension. Next, the glassy polymer is dissolved in the polymer suspension. In a next step, the polymer suspension is cast on a substrate, followed by a step of removing the solvent. A filled polymeric membrane includes aggregates of nanometer-sized filler particles. The membrane is used in pervaporation and nanofiltration.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek N.V. (VITO)Inventors: Kristien De Sitter, Steven Mullens, Lieven Gevers
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Patent number: 8540806Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Oridion Medical (1987) Ltd.Inventors: Amos Ophir, Eyal Cohen, David Dishon, Joshua Lewis Colman
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Patent number: 8518150Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: RasircInventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Richard D. Blethen
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Patent number: 8511072Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream can include a wall, a mixed gas stream passageway, and a liquid collection assembly. The wall can include a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of capillary condensation pores. The capillary condensation pores extend through the wall, and have a first opening on the first surface of the wall, and a second opening on the second surface of the wall. The pore size of the pores can be between about 2 nm to about 100 nm. The mixed gas stream passageway can be in fluid communication with the first opening. The liquid collection assembly can collect liquid from the plurality of pores.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Roddie R. Judkins, Brian L. Bischoff, Melanie Moses Debusk, Chaitanya Narula
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Patent number: 8506815Abstract: A method of removing water from fluid mixtures of the water with other compounds uses selective vapor permeation or pervaporation of the water, as the case may be, from the mixture through a membrane having an amorphous perfluoropolymer selectively permeable layer. The novel process can be applied in such exemplary embodiments as (a) removing water from mixtures of compounds that have relative volatility of about 1-1.1 or that form azeotropic mixtures with water, (b) the dehydration of hydrocarbon oil such as hydraulic fluid to concentrations of water less than about 50 ppm, (c) removing water byproduct of reversible chemical equilibrium reactions to favor high conversion of reactants to desirable products, (d) drying ethanol to less than 0.5 wt. % water as can be used in fuel for internal combustion engines, and (e) controlling the water content to optimum concentration in enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions carried out in organic media.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: CMS Technologies Holdings Inc.Inventors: Stuart M. Nemser, Sudipto Majumdar, Kenneth J. Pennisi
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Publication number: 20130199370Abstract: A steam permselective membrane containing a crosslinked hydrophilic polymer is provided. The steam permselective membrane may further contain at least one alkali metal compound selected from the group consisting of a cesium compound, a potassium compound and a rubidium compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: RENAISSANCE ENERGY RESEARCH CORPORATIONInventors: Osamu Okada, Eiji Kamio, Nobuaki Hanai, Miwako Obama
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Patent number: 8500848Abstract: The present disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial membrane water vapor rejection into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently expelled through a membrane vapor rejection unit to ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David E. Claridge, Charles H. Culp
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Patent number: 8500871Abstract: A water vapor permeable membrane is provided comprising a dense layer and a support layer that are adjacent to each other, wherein the dense layer contains voids with a void length of 0.1 ?m or less and the dense layer has a thickness of 0.1 ?m or more and 2 ?m or less while in the support layer, void (a), i.e. the void with the largest length in the 2 ?m thick region measured from the boundary between the dense layer and the support layer into the support layer, has a length of 0.3 ?m or more and void (b), i.e. the void with the largest length in the region ranging between 2 ?m and 4 ?m measured from the boundary into the support layer, has a length of 0.5 ?m or more, the length of the void (b) being larger than that of the void (a). A water vapor permeable membrane having both a high water vapor permeability and a low air leakage is provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Masahiro Osabe, Kazumi Tanaka, Hiroyuki Sugaya
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Publication number: 20130192460Abstract: Technologies are generally described for perforated graphene monolayers and membranes containing perforated graphene monolayers. An example membrane may include a graphene monolayer having a plurality of discrete pores that may be chemically perforated into the graphene monolayer. The discrete pores may be of substantially uniform pore size. The pore size may be characterized by one or more carbon vacancy defects in the graphene monolayer. The graphene monolayer may have substantially uniform pore sizes throughout. In some examples, the membrane may include a permeable substrate that contacts the graphene monolayer and which may support the graphene monolayer. Such perforated graphene monolayers, and membranes comprising such perforated graphene monolayers may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: Empire Technology Development, LLCInventors: Seth A. Miller, Gary L. Duerksen
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Patent number: 8496806Abstract: Provided is a dehydrator that requires no excessively large apparatus structure and achieves cost-saving while maintaining suction efficiency at a desired level by use of suction means. A dehydrator 100 for separating water from a target liquid 13 includes at least two water separation membrane units 1a and 1b which are provided in series in a flow direction of the target liquid 13. The water separation membrane unit 1a on an upstream side out of the water separation membrane units 1a and 1b is connected to suction means 7 for sucking a gas phase containing water through one condenser 4, and the one condenser 4 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water. The gas phase sucked by the suction means 7 from the one condenser 4 is transferred to at least one downstream condenser 8 provided downstream of the one condenser 4, and the downstream condenser 8 condenses water in the gas phase and thereby separates the water.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsuhiro Yukumoto, Hiroyuki Osora, Yoshio Seiki, Haruaki Hirayama, Yukio Tanaka, Hideo Kashiwagi, Katsufumi Inoue
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Patent number: 8496731Abstract: There is provided a method for transporting a fluid, in which even if the fluid is transported for a long period of time, dehydration after transportation is not needed, and the transported fluid can be used immediately after transportation. Specifically, there is provided a method for transporting a fluid, comprising steps of: dehydrating some of the transportation fluid during transportation by using a dehydration system comprising a separation membrane through which water permeates, and returning the dehydrated fluid to the transportation fluid so as to keep water content in the transportation fluid in a fixed range.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Atsuhiro Yukumoto, Hiroyuki Osora, Yoshio Seiki, Shuichi Kashima, Haruaki Hirayama, Hiroko Oguchi, Noboru Oguchi, Sachiko Oguchi
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Patent number: 8496732Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for dehumidifying air by establishing a humidity gradient across a water selective permeable membrane in a dehumidification unit. Water vapor from relatively humid atmospheric air entering the dehumidification unit is extracted by the dehumidification unit without substantial condensation into a low pressure water vapor chamber operating at a partial pressure of water vapor lower than the partial pressure of water vapor in the relatively humid atmospheric air. For example, water vapor is extracted through a water permeable membrane of the dehumidification unit into the low pressure water vapor chamber. As such, the air exiting the dehumidification unit is less humid than the air entering the dehumidification unit. The low pressure water vapor extracted from the air is subsequently condensed and removed from the system at ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Charles H. Culp, David E. Claridge
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Patent number: 8486178Abstract: A membrane cartridge is manufactured by repeatedly folding and joining two strips of membrane to form a cross-pleated cartridge with a stack of openings or fluid passageways configured in an alternating cross-flow arrangement. The cartridge can be modified for other flow configurations including co-flow and counter-flow arrangements. Methods for manufacturing such cross-pleated membrane cartridges, as well as apparatus used in the manufacturing process are described. Cross-pleated membrane cartridges comprising water-permeable membranes can be used in a variety of applications, including in heat and water vapor exchangers. In particular they can be incorporated into energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) for exchanging heat and water vapor between air streams being directed into and out of buildings.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: DPoint Technologies Inc.Inventors: Greg Montie, James Franklin Dean, Curtis Mullen, Robert Hill
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Patent number: 8470071Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, compositions, and systems relating generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically, to HVAC systems that transfer sensible and/or latent energy between air streams, humidify and/or dehumidify air streams. In certain embodiments, a polymeric membrane is utilized for fluid exchange, with or without an additional support. Certain embodiments allow for individual regulation of air temperature and humidity.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Dais Analytic CorporationInventors: Scott G. Ehrenberg, Hung Huynh, Brian Johnson
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Publication number: 20130146538Abstract: The present invention is for high permeance and high selectivity blend polymeric membranes comprising poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and a highly permeable polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), tetrazole-functionalized polymers of intrinsic microporosity (TZPIMs), or mixtures thereof. The present invention also involves the use of such membranes for separations of liquids and gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: UOP LLCInventor: UOP LLC
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Patent number: 8449660Abstract: A first unsintered sheet made of PTFE having a standard specific gravity of 2.16 or more and a second unsintered sheet made of PTFE having a standard specific gravity of less than 2.16 are laminated, and a pressure is applied to a resulting laminated body so as to obtain a pressure-bonded article. The pressure-bonded article is stretched in a specified direction at a temperature lower than a melting point of PTFE, and then the pressure-bonded article is stretched further in the specified direction at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of PTFE or heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of PTFE. Thereafter, the pressure-bonded article stretched in the specified direction is stretched in a width direction perpendicular to the specified direction at a temperature lower than the melting point of PTFE.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Shunichi Shimatani, Akira Sanami
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Patent number: 8425656Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the heat and water recovery from a transport membrane condenser (TMC) includes a non-moving mechanical device inserted into the TMC tubes to increase the heat transfer efficiency via the enhancement of the fluid turbulence and/or surface area. The apparatus and methods may be applied to porous tubes arranged in a spaced array, similar to a conventional shell and tube heat exchanger device. Other configurations of the TMC may be conceived and adapted for use with the described apparatus and method.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Media and Process Technology, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Ciora, Jr., Paul K T Liu, Eric Cheponis
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Patent number: 8414693Abstract: To provide a humidifying membrane module that is reduced in weight, size and cost by making a case in a single layer structure, the humidifying membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle constructed from plural hollow fiber membranes, a case accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a first flow passage extending through hollows of the hollow fiber membranes, and a second flow passage extending through the outer surface sides of the hollow fiber membranes, the membrane bundle and the case are simultaneously integrated at both ends of the membrane bundle by using potting members sealing gaps between the membrane bundle and the case, an inlet and an outlet constructing the first flow passage are formed at the both ends of the case respectively, and an entrance and an exit constructing the second flow passage are formed in side surfaces near the both ends of the case respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: NOK CorporationInventor: Takayuki Takagi
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Patent number: 8409326Abstract: SAPO-34 membranes and methods for their preparation and use are described. The SAPO-34 membranes are prepared by contacting at least one surface of a porous membrane support with a synthesis gel. The Si/Al ratio of the synthesis gel can be from 0.3 to 0.15. SAPO-34 crystals are optionally applied to the surface of the support prior to synthesis. A layer of SAPO-34 crystals is formed on at least one surface of the support. SAPO-34 crystals may also form in the pores of the support. SAPO-34 membranes of the invention can have improved selectivity for certain gas mixtures, including mixtures of carbon dioxide and methane.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of ColoradoInventors: Shiguang Li, John L. Falconer, Richard D. Noble
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Patent number: 8409324Abstract: An air dehydration membrane module is provided with a sweep gas which is taken from the waste gas of a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit. No additional compressor is required, other than the compressor forming part of the PSA unit. In another embodiment, the sweep gas includes the combination of dried product gas, taken from the dehydration membrane module, and a supplemental gas, which may be ambient air, or permeate gas from an air separation membrane, or waste gas from a PSA unit. An air ejector combines the streams, without the use of an additional compression step, and the combined gas is used as a sweep stream for the dehydration module. The invention also includes the method of selecting an optimum point at which the sweep gas is injected into the module.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Generon IGS, Inc.Inventors: Marc Straub, John A. Jensvold, Raymond K. M. Chan
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Patent number: 8394176Abstract: Disclosed are a gas separation membrane and a gas separation method in which at least one species of organic vapor is separated and recovered from an organic vapor mixture using the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane is made of an aromatic polyimide composed of a tetracarboxylic acid component consisting of an aromatic ring-containing tetracarboxylic acid and a diamine component comprising 10 to 90 mol % of a combination of (B1) 3,4?-diaminodiphenyl ether and (B2) 4,4?-diaminodiphenyl ether at a B1 to B2 molar ratio, B1/B2, ranging from 10/1 to 1/10, and 10 to 90 mol % of other aromatic diamine.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Kanougi, Harutoshi Hoshino, Toshimune Yoshinaga, Yoji Kase, Kenji Fukunaga
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Publication number: 20130055892Abstract: Methods for the purification of steam, systems for purifying steam, methods for measuring and/or controlling steam flow rates, and uses for purified steam are provide. Also provided are substantially gas-impermeable membranes, such as perfluorinated ionomers (e.g., perfluoroethylene-sulfonic-acid/tetrafluoroethylene membranes), having a high ratio of water vapor permeation relative to gas permeation through the membrane. Also provided are methods of operation of such membranes at relatively high operating temperatures for the purification of steam and for operation of such membranes at relatively low temperature and sub-atmospheric pressures for the purification of steam. In a preferred embodiment, the system 400 for purifying steam comprises heater 404 for creating a source of a steam feed, and a purification device 416 for housing a substantially gas-impermeable membrane 424. In the operation of system 400, water, such as deionized water, is added to vessel 402 to provide a source of the steam feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: RASIRCInventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Richard D. Blethen
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Patent number: 8377179Abstract: To provide a moisture control module which has a function to reduce or increase moisture in a gas permitted to flow in a hollow fiber and which is substantially free from air leakage and easy to produce; a process for producing such a moisture control module; and an apparatus for producing such a moisture control module. A moisture control module comprising a tubular hollow fiber 1, a braid fiber 3 plaited into a braid to cover the exterior of the hollow fiber 1, and a pipe 5 inserted in an end of the hollow fiber 1, wherein as the hollow fiber 1 and the braid fiber 3 present in a region with a prescribed length from said end have been heated at a prescribed temperature from outside, the braid fiber 3 is fused, and at the same time, the hollow fiber 1 is fixed by heat shrinkage to the pipe 5.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: AGC Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masato Kamada
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Patent number: 8377178Abstract: A fuel source for an electrochemical cell includes two or more chemical hydride pellets, a flexible, porous, liquid water impermeable, hydrogen and water vapor permeable membrane in contact with and at least partially surrounding each hydride pellet, and a porous metal hydride layer positioned between each hydride pellet. Air gaps are between each pellet.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Chunbo Zhang, Steve Swanson
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Patent number: 8376148Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a zeolite membrane composite satisfying both the treating amount and the separation performance at a practically sufficient level, which can be applied even in the presence of an organic material and can separate/concentrate an organic material-containing gas or liquid mixture and which is economic without requiring a high energy cost and is not limited in its application range; a production method thereof; and a separation or concentration method using the same. The present invention is an inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite, wherein the inorganic porous support contains a ceramic sintered body and the inorganic porous support-zeolite membrane composite has, as a zeolite membrane, a CHA-type zeolite crystal layer on the inorganic porous support surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical CorporationInventors: Miki Sugita, Takahiko Takewaki, Kazunori Oshima, Naoko Fujita